E.G.G Episode 40: The Dark Day Part 3- The Dawn Never Came

AND THERE CAME A DAY, A DAY UNLIKE ANY OTHER. WHEN THREE FRIENDS ROSE FROM THEIR DOOM TO FIGHT ON, VOWING NEVER AGAIN TO GIVE IN TO THE FORCES OF EVIL. ON THAT DAY, E.G.G WAS REBORN. AND THERE CAME A DAY AFTER THAT DAY. A DAY WHEN THE THREE FRIENDS WOULD FINALLY FACE THEIR FINAL BATTLE. THAT DAY WILL FOREVER BE KNOWN, AS THE DARK DAY.

Eileen has transformed into the menace known as Darkstream. After fleeing the Baxter Building from a failed attempt to cure her, Darkstream returns to to Rexburg, Idaho, where she was 'born', and begins to burn it to the ground. With S.H.I.E.L.D unable to stop her, Josh and Acacia fly in to save to save the day. When appealing to Eileen fails, Darkstream goes on the attack. Allyson, who wants Josh to know how she truly feels, jumps into the fray with Josh's Joshinator armor to even the odds, but Darkstream is unstoppable. Caught in an inescapable predicament, Darkstream prepares to kill Josh only for Allyson to take the hit. She utters her last words, "I love you", as she crumbles to pieces in Josh arms. Acacia and Josh retreat back to E.G.G base, and begin to make a plan to stop their best friend...

Click here to read E.G.G Episode 39: The Dark Day Part 2- The Night Allyson Whitcomb Died

Click here for Episode 39 Q&A

THE DARK DAY

E.G.G SEASON 2 FINALE

PART 3

-THE Dawn never came-

Acacia opened her closet door. She moved all of her clothes and reached into the back. She pulled out a garment bag and unzipped it. Inside was a black and grey E.G.G uniform labeled ‘E.G.G Black Ops’. She pulled it out and sighed.

“This is a dark day.” She said. Moments later she emerged from her room in the new uniform and black leather trench coat. She walked down to the Humpty Dumpty Hall, where Josh had barricaded himself. She banged the door. “Josh, it’s been three hours.” She called. “West Coast Avengers are on their way, and every second we waste is a city Darkstream burns. You need to come out, now.” She waited. Seconds later the door opened. Acacia walked in to see Josh putting the finishing touches on a new armor. It looked just like the previous, but was red instead of blue and had a black E.G.G logo in the center.

“I’ve integrated Spider-Man’s web shooters into the Eileen Killer armor.” He said.

“Eileen Killer?” Acacia asked, folding her arms. Josh looked at her.

“Term of phrase, strictly figurative.”

“Right.”

“I’ve increased the laser power, added a visor and full HUD, and I’ve synced it with Jocasta. I also used the chip we recovered from Titanium Man for improved user interface and Gravity Master’s anti-gravity technology for an extra advantage. No time for field tests, but primaries are promising.”

“Villain tech? Josh… I know these are desperate times, but…”

“Where are the Avengers?” Acacia sighed.

“They’re off world.” Josh looked up.

“Off world? What does that mean?”

“Exactly what it sounds like. They left the planet to take care of Thanos.” Josh sighed.

“Fine, still no word from S.H.I.E.L.D?” He pressed a button on his armor and it opened.

“Without a director they’re a hot mess.” Acacia replied as Josh stepped into his armor and it covered him. “It’s up to us.”

“Fine by me.” Josh said. He and Acacia walked down the tunnels of E.G.G Base and into the teleporter room. Agent Becket was waiting for them.

“Hey, listen,” he said. “About earlier…”

“We’re all hurting.” Josh said. “It’s how we deal with it that defines us. Can you power up the teleporter?”

“Sure thing.” He replied. Josh and Acacia stepped into the center as Agent Becket began to type on the computer. “Alright, and we’re clear in 3, 2, 1…”

“Wait!” Harry shouted, rushing into the room. He was wearing black mesh armor, arm blades, a sword on his back, a utility belt, and had a hover board looking object under his arm. “I’m coming with you.”

“No Harry,” Acacia said. “I couldn’t bear to lose someone else I care about.”

“Listen, I’m not gonna let you go out there alone Acacia!” He argued.

“We don’t have time for this Osborn.” Josh said. “You’re not going to make it back. Sit this out.”

“I’ve got my dad’s arsenal and more!” He replied. “Pumpkin bombs, razor bats, and this new glider Celeste helped me design, the Sky Stick.”

“Harry, it’s too dangerous!” Acacia shouted. “I don’t care how many new toys you have, I won’t permit you to come!”

“It’s not just my gear.” He said. “I… I juiced on the Green.”

“You did what?” Josh growled.

“Harry…” Acacia said, truly shocked.

“Listen, it’s not the first time I’ve done it, but when this is over, it will be the last.” He walked up and took Acacia’s hand. “I promise.” Acacia sighed. She turned and nodded at Josh.

“Fine.” Josh said, as he signaled Agent Becket. He powered up his armor. “Time to organize.” Agent Becket pressed the button, and in a flash of blue light, Josh, Acacia, and Harry were gone.

Jerome walked into Celeste’s room with multiple packs of fruit snacks.

“Okay,” he said. “I’ve got blueberry, strawberry, orange, and I think this is cherry…” He looked to see Celeste and Seth intently focused on the news. “Hey, I thought we were gonna watch the movie?”

“Jerome look at this!” Celeste said. Jerome walked over to see images of hordes of people running from a massive fire, the headline ‘Super Villain Rampage Continues’.

“Holy…” Jerome said, dropping the fruit snacks. “Who’s doing all this?”

“They can’t get close enough,” Celeste said.

“CNN was trying last we checked,” Seth added. “Turn it back and see if they figured it out yet.” Celeste flipped to CNN.

“Well John,” The reporter said, zooming the camera as close as she could on Darkstream. “This might be a stretch, but the costume seems to resemble that of the new hero Lightstream who came onto the scene in Arizona only months ago.” Darkstream looked directly at the camera. “Oh crap, she spotted me, I’ve got to-” Suddenly the camera shook violently and went fuzzy.”

“Judy?” John asked. “Judy? Um, please stand by…” Celeste watched in horror.

“Wow,” Seth said. “Lightstream turned evil. I never saw that coming…”

“We have to get down there!” Celeste said, jumping up.

“Whoa!” Jerome shouted. “Are you crazy? Wait, never mind, we already know you are.”

“Celeste,” Seth said, putting his hand on her shoulder. “I know Lightstream is our resident hero, but I don’t think there’s much we can do to turn her back to the good guys.”

“Not us, you Seth!” Celeste exclaimed. “Lightstream… Lightstream is your sister!”

“What? No way! She would have told me!”

“Yeah,” Jerome added. “Plus, from the things Joshua told me about Eileen, I don’t think she would do anything like this.”

“She’s not in control of herself!” Celeste exclaimed. “Her powers have been going crazy for a long time now, and it’s finally coming into fruition! Seth, we have to stop her. You have to stop her!” Seth thought for a minute.

“This is crazy Seth!” Jerome said. “That can’t be your sister!”

“I would never lie to you Seth.” Celeste said. “I figured out a long time ago, I promise, it’s her, and she needs your help.”

“I believe you.” Seth said. “Eileen needs me. We have to go.” Jerome sighed.

“Okay, okay,” he said. “But how are we gonna get down there?”

“Follow me!” Celeste said, and they all rushed down the hall.

Josh, Acacia, and Harry all appeared feet away from Darkstream’s spreading fire.

“Osborn, go high!” He ordered. “Lay down a distraction!” Harry nodded. He ran and threw his Sky Stick forward. It stopped and began hovering in the air. Harry jumped onto it and took to the skies. “Acacia, defense. I need you to stop, counter, or deflect all of Darkstream’s attacks.” Acacia nodded. She pressed the center of her chest, and in a bamf, she was gone.

“And me,” Josh said to himself. “I’m gonna end this.” He ran, jumped, then pressed his middle and index finger to his palm. With that, a web line launched from his wrist and snagged a nearby building. He swung into the air, jumped off his web line, spun another to a levitating rock, and landed on a roof. “Jocasta, I need your status.” He said into his armor.

“I am currently aiding in the evacuation effort.” She replied.

“Okay, make sure you get here as soon as you’re done. I need a full analysis on Eileen and all weak points she may have.”

“Affirmative.” Jocasta replied. “I will be there momentarily.”

“Good.” Josh said, and he continued to make his way towards Darkstream.

Darkstream was flying overhead, spreading her fire. Suddenly a pumpkin bomb spiraled in front of her.

“What the-” She said as it exploded, launching her back. “Gah!” She screamed, catching herself in the air. She turned to see Harry fly by. “Osborn.” She growled. She held out her hand, when suddenly Acacia appeared behind her and grabbed her from behind. She took hold of Darkstream’s arm and moved it away from Harry, causing Darkstream to shoot a blast of red lightning at the ground.

“I told you to give us our friend back!” She shouted.

“And I told you she’s gone!” Darkstream emitted a pulse blast from her body, knocking Acacia away and frying the circuits in her Bamf Vest.

“No!” She screamed, falling, when suddenly Harry swooped by and caught her on his glider. She wrapped her arms tightly around him. “My hero.” She said, kissing him on the cheek.

“We’re not out of this yet!” He replied, pointing to Darkstream, who was adamantly pursuing them.

“Ha!” Darkstream screamed, launching a dark blast at them. Acacia put a force field around them, intercepting the blast. “I know how weak you are Acacia! You can’t hold that forever!”

“I can sure as shell try.” Acacia said, as she and Harry avoided Darkstream’s attacks. A few yards away, Josh webbed to the roof of a building.

“Westbrook,” he heard in his earpiece. “It’s Barton. We’re gonna knock this bird outta the sky. Josh turned to see an Avengers Quinjet fly onto the scene. A turret folded out from the bottom and began to fire on Darkstream.

“You dare!” She shouted.

“Hawkeye, don’t get too close!” Josh warned. But Darkstream shot a dark blast that hit the Quinjet head on. It suddenly started to turn to stone.

“Whoa, Vision! What’s goin’ on!” Hawkeye demanded.

“All internal systems are unresponsive.” Vision said. “The ship is being turned to stone.”

“That makes no sense!” Tigra said. The Quinjet then began to nosedive.

“Aw man, brace for impact!” Hawkeye screamed as the jet crashed and sent the West Coast Avengers flying every which way.

“Clint, what’s your status?” Josh asked.

“We crashed, I need to regroup my team.” He replied. Josh clinched his fist.

“I’m ending this.” He held up his hand and blasted Darkstream with a laser. She turned angrily.

“Insect!” She shouted. She flew towards him. Josh spun two webs onto the roof and pulled himself back. He pulled back, and back, and when Darkstream was close enough, he let go of the web lines and launched himself into her. They crashed through a building and slammed into the ground. Josh mounted Darkstream and began to pound away.

“Ah!” She shouted, as Josh punched her, repeatedly, again and again and again. He was ruthless, and struck her with no mercy. He no longer saw his second in command, his partner, or his best friend. He only saw the evil that killed the woman he loved.

“Heartless! Evil! Maniac!” Josh shouted as he pounded. He knocked Darkstream’s mask off, and she looked at him with piercing red eyes. Josh punched her one more time, then a blade emerged from the wrist of the Eileen Killer armor. “This is for Allyson you monster!” He shouted. Suddenly her eyes reverted back to blue and green.

“Josh?” She asked. “What… Where am I? What am I wearing? What’s going on?” She looked around, panicked.

“Eileen?” Josh asked, sheathing the blade. “Eileen, is that you?”

“Wait, I remember... Oh no, what have I done?”

“Eileen,” Josh said. “You’re still here, Darkstream lied!” Eileen screamed and held her head. “Hey, no! Eileen, stay with me!”

“Josh,” She said, tears in her eyes. “Kill me.”

“What? No! Eileen, I can save you from this!”

“I can’t control it Josh!” Eileen shouted. “Please, I can see everything, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it! Please, put an end to me before I take another life!”

“That’s not an option! You’re still in your body! Fight back!”

“I can feel her, crawling through my brain… taking me over…”

“Don’t give in! You can do it!”

“Josh, please! I have enough blood on my hands. I don’t want to do this anymore. Kill me! End it! Now!”

“I’ll never stop trying to save you!” She looked up and let out a small laugh.

“Your one flaw.” She said. “You always see the good in people, even when it’s not there.” Her eyes turned red.

“No!” Josh shouted. She punched him and he slammed into the building.

“Fool!” She screamed. “There is only Darkstream!” Suddenly War Machine landed behind her.

“Surprise.” He said, then unleashed all of his weapons on her. She took to the sky, and he flew after her. The West Coast Avengers rushed up.

“Take her down!” Hawkeye shouted.

“No, you can’t!” Josh said. “That’s Eileen! She’s lost control, but she’s still in there!”

“I don’t see how that’s our problem.” Hawkeye said. At that moment Harry flew down and dropped off Acacia. Jocasta landed next to her.

“I have analyzed Eileen over and over.” Jocasta said. “There are no visible weaknesses.”

“Well, there has to be a way to stop her without killing her.” Acacia said.

“I may have a way.” Vision replied. “I could incapacitate her.”

“What do you mean?” Josh asked.

“I can use my density shifting ability to reach inside of her head and, for lack of a better term, shut down her brain.”

“What are the repercussions to that?” Acacia asked.

“There may be… slight brain damage, but she should mostly recover.” Acacia looked at Josh. He nodded.

“Do it.” He said. Vision flew into the sky.

“Pym, distract her.” Hawkeye ordered. Ant-Man twisted a knob on his belt and grew ten times his size. Darkstream turned.

“I do not care how big you get, you cannot stop me!”

“Wanna bet!” His voice thundered, as he clasped her in his hands.

“Aaaarrrraaaahhh!” She screamed, emitting a pulse blast.

“Ah!” Giant-Man shouted, letting her go. She looked over her shoulder to see Vision flying towards her.

“You would try to attack me from behind!” She held her hand out, as Vision stopped short and began to rust.

“No!” Jocasta shouted, taking to the sky.

“Jocasta, wait!” Josh called after her. Jocasta flew up and grabbed onto the Vision.

“Jocasta, what are you doing?” He asked.

“You are not strong enough.” She said, as she began to transfer energy into the Vision.

“Do not…” He said.

“You will not succeed,” Jocasta said. “Unless you have… more… powerrrrrrrr….” Jocasta’s eyes went dark and her lifeless body fell to the ground.

“Jocasta,” Acacia said. “No…” Vision looked up.

“I now have the power to stop you!” He said. He flew up and reached his hand into Darkstream’s head.

“Insolent fool.” She growled. She grabbed his arm and slowly pulled his hand out.

“Impossible!” Vision said.

“I think not.” Darkstream squeezed the Vision’s arm.

“No!” He screamed as he turned into stone. Darkstream threw him into a building and he shattered into pieces.

“Vision!” Scarlet Witch screamed.

“She’s dead.” Hawkeye growled, taking out an arrow. Josh grabbed his shoulder.

“She can’t control herself!” Josh said. Hawkeye threw him off.

“That was a member of my team!” He said. “I don’t care what you say anymore. All bets are off, and she’s going down.” He aimed and shot the arrow. Darkstream caught it and laughed.

“You wish to beat me with such primitive weaponry!” She called.

“Tick, tick, boom.” Hawkeye said. Suddenly the arrow beeped and exploded.

“Gah!” She screamed, hitting the building.

“Wanda, keep her down.” Scarlet Witch held out her hands.

“Ugh, my hex powers aren’t working!” She said. “She’s blocking them somehow.”

“Fine, Janet, get up there. Tigra, we’re on that roof. Westbrook, stay out of the way.” He rushed off.

“Hawkeye’s gonna kill her!” Acacia said.

“I’m not sure there’s much we can do to stop him.” Josh solemnly said. “But we’re not out of the fight. How’s your Bamf Vest?” She unzipped her uniform and revealed it, sparking.

“Fried.” She said, zipping it back up.

“Agh, fine, we’re doing this the hard way. Get her attention, I know Eileen’s still in there, she just needs the right push.”

“What do you have in mind?” She asked. Josh thought.

“Just get her attention.” He said, web slinging away.

Darkstream was unstoppable. She shot dark blasts at Hawkeye and Tigra, who ran away as Hawkeye shot arrows at her. Harry and War Machine were doing the best they could, but nothing came close to touching her. Wasp flew up and blasted her from behind. She spun around and backhanded Wasp onto a roof in return. Acacia rubbed her hands together and gathered a giant fireball. She lobbed it at Darkstream, who caught it in her hand and extinguished it.

“You want to see fire!” She roared. She inhaled deeply and blew fire out of her mouth at Acacia. Acacia quickly put up a force field, but it began to crack.

“Acacia!” Harry screamed. He circled around on his glider and flew towards her at top speed.

“Can’t… hold… it…” Acacia said. The force field shattered and just as it did Harry flew into the stream of fire.

“Aaaggghh!” He screamed, as he fell off of his glider and to the ground.

“Harry!” Acacia rushed over and lifted him in her arms.

“Ah!” He cried in pain.

“It’s okay, I’ve got you. You’re going to be okay babe.” She looked up at War Machine, who desperately fired his weapons at Darkstream. “Rhodey!” She screamed. He looked, then flew down. She handed Harry to him. “Get him as far away as possible.” War Machine nodded.

“No,” Harry weakly said. “I gotta help…” Acacia kissed him on the lips.

“You’ve done more than enough, thank you.” She said. War Machine took off. Acacia turned to find herself face to face with Darkstream.

“How sweet.” She said. She gathered red lightning on her hands. Acacia gathered fire on hers.

“I’m sorry it had to end like this Eileen.” She said. “From the day we met, I figured we’d go our separate ways eventually, but not like this. Never like this.”

“Very nice sentiment.” Darkstream said. “How unfortunate it means nothing!” She fired her lightning and Acacia shot her fire. The two energies met in the middle and pushed against each other.

“Josh!” Acacia called. “I’ve got her attention! Now what!”

“Hold it!” Josh said, running on a roof. “I’m almost there!” Suddenly an E.G.G Jet flew over his head. “What the?” Inside, Celeste, Seth, and Jerome all screamed as they pulled up on the throttle. The jet swerved, hit the side of a building, spun, and crashed into the ground. Celeste sat up, coughing.

“Is everybody okay?” She asked.

“No!” Seth and Jerome replied simultaneously.

“It doesn’t matter. Seth, we’ve gotta get you out there!”

“Right.” He said. Jerome opened the ramp and the three rushed out. “Eileen! Over here!” He called.

“She can’t hear you!” Celeste said. Jerome took out a Repulsor Blaster.

“Seth, close your eyes!” He said.

“What? You’re not gonna shoot my sister!” He replied.

“Sorry!” Jerome said, as he pulled the trigger. The blast hit Darkstream.

“Err!” She screamed, still engaged with Acacia. She turned to see the three young friends. “My dear brother.” She said, smiling. She increased the intensity of the lighting.

“Ah!” Acacia screamed as the lightning struck her face and she was launched into a building. Darkstream flew over to the kids. Celeste and Jerome stepped back.

“Eileen, listen to me!” Seth shouted. “You’re not a killer! You’re my sister!” She held out her hand and Seth began to levitate.

“Seth!” Jerome said. He began to run forward but Celeste stopped him. “We have to help him!”

“He can do it!” She said. “I know he can.” She and Jerome looked up nervously.

“Eileen is gone.” Darkstream said. “Your words are wasted child.”

“I know it’s still you in there.” Seth said. “Please, come back.” Her eyes began flashing, between their natural green and blue and red.

“Seth…” She said. “I can’t… fight it…”

“Yes you can!” He shouted. Her eye’s continued to rapidly switch colors.

“I’ll… kill you! No! I won’t… I won’t let you hurt… My bother!”

“Fight it!” Seth shouted.

“I’m… trying! No! You die now! NO! You won’t hurt him! I will! I won’t! I… will!” Her eyes turned red.

“NO!” Josh shouted, jumping off of a roof and tackling her. Seth fell to the ground.

“Seth!” Jerome called. He rushed over and was helping him up when a wing to the jet began to bend.

“Watch out!” Celeste screamed, pushing them both as it broke off and fell onto her.

“Celeste!” Seth screamed. They ran over to see her struggling.

“I’m stuck!” She said.

“We’ll get you out.” Jerome replied, as he and Seth began to lift.

Josh had Darkstream pinned down on the ground.

“You won’t hurt anyone else.” He said. Using all of the fluid left in the web shooters, he trapped Eileen in a giant web net.

“AAAAHHHH!” She screamed. She began to struggle, but Josh mounted her and held her down with all his might.

“Eileen Killer, increase gravitational field by 100 percent.” He commanded his armor. Just then the effect of gravity on both of them was amplified by 100 times, and they cratered feet into the ground. Darkstream attempted to lift herself, but the increased gravity along with the web and Josh’s death grip wouldn’t allow her to budge.

“You think you’ve stopped me?” She asked. “I have one more attack. And I may not have this world, but at least you will die!” Darkstream began to glow red. Hawkeye cautiously approached, then looked in the crater.

“Holy…” He said. “She’s gonna blow!” He screamed. “Pull out! Everyone! Now!” Everyone turned and ran. Acacia sat up, holding the side of her face.

“Josh.” She said. She ran over. “Josh!” She called. He looked back.

“Get out of here Acacia!” He yelled. “That’s an order!”

“Give me your hand!” She called, reaching out.

“I can’t let her go! I’m telling you, go! Clear the area, now!”

“No chance!” She replied. “If you go down, I go down with you.”

“Auntie Acacia!” Celeste called. She turned to see Jerome and Seth desperately trying to lift the wing off of Celeste.

“Oh no.” Acacia gasped. She looked at Josh.

“Go!” He yelled. She looked at Celeste, then looked at Josh. She closed her eyes.

“I’m so sorry.” She said. She ran over to the kids. “Get clear!” She shouted to Seth and Jerome. “I’ve got this! Go!” They both ran off. Acacia grabbed the wing and lifted.

“It’s no use!” Celeste said. Acacia looked at the crater. The red light was now visible from feet away. Acacia took a deep breath.

“If I’ve ever needed strength,” she said. “Now is the time!” She set a force field around her and Celeste. “Please, please, let this one hold. If all others fail, just let this one hold.” Josh held on to Darkstream. His armor started to break off, piece by piece, but he didn’t let go.

“All these years.” Josh said. “I’ve always been there for you. I’m not gonna stop now.” Darkstream looked up at him, hatred in her eyes.

“You had no chance of stopping me.” She growled. “I was never afraid of you.”

“You were never supposed to be.” Josh replied.

“AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!” Darkstream screamed. Josh closed his eyes. Then, there was an explosion. An explosion that could be and heard across the world.

Eileen opened her eyes. She sat up slowly in the crater.

“What… What happened?” She asked. She looked up and saw a fleet of S.H.I.E.L.D airships come out of the sky and land around the premises. S.H.I.E.L.D agents flooded out and surrounded the crater, all of them with their guns trained on Eileen. Nick Fury stepped forward.

“Eileen Wuthrich.” He said. “In the name of the Strategic Hazard Intervention and Espionage Logistics Division, you are under arrest.” She slowly put her hands behind her head as a group of agents rushed down and put her in handcuffs. They pulled her to her feet and escorted her out of the crater. As Eileen walked, she looked around at all of the damage.

“Oh no.” She said. “I… I did this.” She saw firefighters putting out the flames that stretched for miles. She saw Hawkeye and the West Coast Avengers, all bruised and beaten and being tended to by medics. She saw War Machine hand Harry off to the EMT. She heard Seth calling her name. She turned to see him reaching out for her, two S.H.I.E.L.D Agents holding him back, Jerome watching sadly.

“It’s okay Seth.” She said. “I’m going to be okay.” She saw a technical crew hauling away Jocasta’s body. She looked and saw Celeste crying and hugging Acacia tightly. She saw everyone. Except for one person.

“Where’s Josh?” She asked. She looked around. “Joshua Westbrook, where is he?”

“Keep moving.” A S.H.I.E.L.D agent replied, pushing her. They opened the doors on one of the airships.

“Where is Josh!” She shouted. “Where is he? Acacia! Acacia! Where’s Josh?!?!” Acacia sadly looked away, saying nothing. “Where is he? Where is he!” They loaded her onto the ship. “Somebody answer me! Where’s Josh!” She screamed, as the doors closed, and the ship flew away.

Eileen sat silently in her cell on the S.H.I.E.L.D Helicarrier. Suddenly she herd the doors open, and an agent walked in with Acacia.

“Visitor.” He said, leaving the two alone. Acacia looked at Eileen.

“Acacia,” Eileen said. “I am so sorry…”

“Don’t.” Acacia interrupted. “This isn’t your fault. It’s mine.”

“What?”

“If I hadn’t thoughtlessly injected you with an unstable drug…”

“Acacia, you were saving my life. I could have stopped Darkstream, but I was too weak.” She looked and noticed a burn on the right side of Acacia’s face.

“Acacia, your face…” She said. Acacia covered it with her hair.

“It’s nothing.” She replied. Eileen sighed sadly.

“Acacia, how many people did I…”

“You didn’t kill anyone.” Acacia said.

“I know, I know. But still, please, just tell me.” Acacia sighed.

“We know at least ten people for sure. The death toll from the fires is still being counted, but last I checked it 76…” Eileen clasped her hands over her mouth.

“That’s 86 people and counting…” She said. “Anyone… close?”

“Jocasta’s powered down. Permanently. And… and Harry died in the hospital about thirty minutes ago.” Eileen gasped.

“Acacia…”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Eileen wiped the tears from her eyes.

“And Josh?” Acacia cleared her throat.

“No body was recovered. We can’t find any trace of him. We can only assume he’s gone.” Eileen broke down crying.

“I’m sorry Acacia!” She sobbed. “I killed everyone! I destroyed everything! I am so sorry!”

“It’s not your fault.” Acacia said. “I’m gonna get you out of here.” Eileen looked up quickly.

“No, don’t!” She exclaimed. “I deserve this. Nothing more.” She sat in the corner of her cell and curled into the fetal position. “I have to pay for what I’ve done.” Acacia nodded.

“Very well.” She said. She took the vow out of her pocket and slid it under Eileen’s cell door. “Goodbye, Eileen.” She turned and left the cellblock.

“Goodbye, Acacia.” Eileen said quietly to herself. Acacia walked into the bridge, where Nick Fury stood as acting director of S.H.I.E.L.D once more. He looked at Acacia.

“Are you alright?” He asked. She shook her head.

“Not really. It’s going to take a while to heal from this.” Fury nodded.

“Take all the time off you need.” He replied. They stood for a minute, then he let out a small laugh. “Experimental Government Gadgets. When Joshua first came to me with that idea I thought he was crazy. But you two backed him up. You guys were so persistent, I just let you have it. Today, I’m glad I did.”

“Yeah, we’ve done some good. But I’m pretty sure E.G.G is over.”

“Not necessarily. When you’re ready I’d like to continue the project. I’m already working on relocating the base to New York and getting a new crew. Even if you don’t want to join, I’d appreciate your involvement in any way.” Acacia nodded.

“I’ll think about it.” She stared blankly out the window at the city below. Fury looked at Acacia.

“So, where are you going?” He asked.

“I’m taking Celeste home, back to Oregon. I’m gonna stay with her in Fumiko’s house until I find a good family for her.”

“I can help with that.”

“Thank you.” They stood for a while. Tears began to stream down Acacia’s cheeks. “It’s just horrible, you know? I think I’ve lost everyone that’s ever meant something to me in my life.”

“That’s rule one of the game. You can’t get attached to anyone. It’s sad, but true.”

“It is sad.” She looked down. “I think today was the worst day of my life.”

“It was a dark day.” Fury replied. “But the night is darkest just before the dawn.” He put his hand on her shoulder. “Your dawn is coming Acacia. Now go, get some rest. You deserve it more than anyone.” Acacia nodded. She walked into the Helicarrier teleporter.

“What if night stays dark forever?” She asked. “What if dawn doesn’t come?”

“Then you stop waiting for it, and make your own.” Fury answered. Acacia managed a smile, and in a blue flash of light, she was gone.

The End

Acacia slowly opened her eyes. She heard the sound of birds singing, and wind blowing. The curtains on the open window in the corner of the room danced around with calm excitement. She looked down to see Celeste lying next to her, face stained with dry tears. Acacia stroked Celeste’s hair, then softly made her way out of the bed. She walked over to the window and pulled the curtains apart. The night air was dissipating, and she felt warmth on her skin. She closed her eyes, inhaled slowly through her nose, and exhaled through her mouth. She looked out the window, and watched as the sun slowly made its way over the hills in the distant. Sunlight glittered into the room and illuminated it with spectacular golden color. Acacia watched the sun rise gracefully into the sky. But for her, the dawn never came.

That's it! E.G.G is over, no more, it's done. But don't worry, next Thursday, June 4, there's going to be a Season 2 Review (Remember? Like I did for Season 1?). We'll look back on all the great times we had with E.G.G, and go over everything you guys want to hear about, all up to the bitter end. It's been fun you guys, and who knows? Maybe there's a new series somewhere down the pipeline. But until then, it's been real, hope you enjoyed E.G.G!